SA legend Hugh Masekela dies

Born on 4 April 1939, Masekela died in Johannesburg this morning after battling prostate cancer for some time. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

“It is with profound sorrow that the family of Ramapolo Hugh Masekela announce his passing,” a family statement reads. “After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by his family. A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat with profound loss.

“Hugh’s global and activist contribution to and participation in the areas of music theatre and the arts in general is contained in the mind of millions across six continents and we are blessed and grateful to be part of a life and ever expanding legacy of love, sharing and vanguard creativity that spans the timing space of six decades.”

Condolences to Masekela’s family and friends as well as tributes began pouring in on social media shortly after the musician’s death.

“A baobab tree has fallen, the nation has lost a one of a kind musician with the passing of jazz legend bra Hugh Masekela. We can safely say Bra Hugh was one of the great architects of Afro-jazz and he uplifted the soul of our nation through his timeless music,” Minister of Arts Nathi Mthethwa wrote on Twitter.

Musicians Association of South Africa president Tebogo Sithathu told eNCA that Masekela “used his music for the greater good”.

“I was so inspired by him for standing up against the apartheid government. My condolences to the family,” he said.

Chimurenga Music Company also joined millions of music lovers in mourning Masekela. "The death of Hugh Masekela, who was fondly known as Bra Hugh, has robbed South Africa and indeed the world of one of the most influential musicians of our time," reads a statement.

"Through music, Bra Hugh played an important role in the struggle for liberation and social emancipation. It is very crucial for the arts industry, in memory of Bra Hugh, to deepen the struggle for social and economic justice and advance the African revolution.

"Bra Hugh was a personal friend to Dr Thomas Mapfumo. They shared the stage several times in several countries, and their last interaction being in 2015, where they performed at the Mapungugwe Arts Festival with another departed icon, Ray Phiri."

"It is our hope that the young generation of musicians will carry on the journey and continue from were Bra Hugh left. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, friends and the entire music industry."

The No Borders hitmaker had been receiving treatment since 2008 when doctors discovered a “small speck” on his bladder. The treatment was followed by surgery in March 2016 after the cancer had spread.

Masekela had other health hiccups early last year forcing his management to postpone and cancel most of his shows. In April, he took a fall and dislocated his right shoulder while attending the Mo Ibrahim Awards ceremony in Morocco.

Masekela, who has been a part of the lives of South Africans and their modern musical heritage since the 1950s, was musically active for more than 60 years.

“We will, in due course, release details of the memorial and burial services,” the family said. “Hugh Masekela was someone who always engaged robustly with the press on musical and social political issues. We laud the press for respecting his privacy through his convalescence and during this, our time of grief. Our gratitude to all and sundry for your condolences and support.”